Prince Andrew may be selling his £18million ski chalet to protect his assets rather than pay off his sex abuse accuser, US lawyers have said.
Sources close the Duke said earlier in the month that the sale is proceeding after an unidentified buyer offered to purchase the property at Verbier.
Andrew was only able to sell the residence, called Chalet Helora, after settling a £6.6million debt to French socialite Isabelle de Rouvre, 74, who sold it to him and Sarah Ferguson in 2014 also for £18million.
The deal led to speculation that he would use the money to pay his legal bills as he faces a lawsuit from Virginia Roberts Giuffre, who claims she was trafficked to have sex with him by paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Spencer Kuvin who represented Epstein victims believes the sale may have been designed to keep Giuffre away from the Duke’s assets.

Prince Andrew may be selling his £18million ski chalet to protect his assets rather than pay off his sex abuse accuser Virginia Giuffre (both pictured in 2001), US lawyers have said
According to the Mirror, the lawyer said that Virginia could get a judgement against Andrew if it went through the trial. If she got a financial judgment in her favor, she would be able to execute on all properties he owns, including his ski chalet.
“If Andrew has properties in any other country, the US can have her execute those properties.
He said: “If the Queen transfers any property anywhere in the world to her, she could attempt and execute that property, if they are successful in foreign court.”
Andrew and Fergie were able to agree with Ms. de Rouvre on the payment plan for the chalet.
But Ms de Rouvre claimed the Yorks failed to make the final instalment of £5m, resulting in her launching legal action against them in the Swiss courts two years ago for the amount she was owed, plus interest, which came to a combined £6.6 million.
He was prohibited from selling his chalet until the issue had been settled under Swiss law.

Andrew was only able to sell the property (pictured above), called Chalet Helora, after settling a £6.6million debt to French socialite Isabelle de Rouvre, 74, who sold it to him and Sarah Ferguson in 2014 also for £18million
Ms deRouvre acknowledged that payment had been received and declared: “The war is over.” This is it. It is over. That’s all.
“I do not know where they are now. Although they were present at Christmas, I don’t know what their plans are. I found it in the media. I didn’t see them.
“So happy Christmas, and that’s it. It’s the end.
“It was six weeks ago that this matter was resolved. It was November. It’s done. The money was received and the job was completed. I am now safe. It is finished.
The friend said that it was a very stressful time for Ms de Rouge.

Andrew and Sarah Ferguson are pictured together in 2001. This is Verbier, the Swiss ski resort in which the chalet is situated.
Meanwhile, a source close to Andrew previously confirmed to MailOnline: ‘I can confirm that the legal action has been halted and that the chalet is being sold – but otherwise no comment on private financial matters.’
There is no completion date for the sale but property experts in Verbier claimed that it could be ‘just a matter of weeks.’
Andrew may have paid Ms de Rouge late last year. She declared: “The war is over.” He’s paid for the money.
These comments come after Andrew was stripped of honorary military positions, royal patronages and his official status as a ‘HRH” earlier in the month by Queen Elizabeth.
Giuffre says she was required to have sex on three occasions with the Duke while she was minor in America.
Andrew strongly denies all allegations. He will continue to defend the lawsuit in his capacity as a private citizen. He has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing.